The growing concern for pedestrian safety in India is highlighted by alarming statistics, showing a 108% rise in pedestrian fatalities from 2016 to 2022. Fatalities surged from 15,746 in 2016 to 32,825 in 2022, underscoring a pressing issue that requires urgent intervention.

This article examines the  causes behind this crisis and emphasizes the need for immediate safety measures to protect pedestrian lives.

 India numbers (published by MoRTH in their annual reports)

While the overall number of road fatalities increased by 12% during this period, the exponential rise in pedestrian deaths is particularly alarming. In 2016, pedestrians accounted for approximately 10% of all road-related casualties; by 2022, this proportion had almost doubled to 20%. This stark discrepancy highlights the inadequate attention given to pedestrian safety in comparison to other road users.

The 2011 census data indicates that over 20% of non-agricultural workers in India depend on walking as their primary mode of commuting. This underscores the pivotal role that pedestrian mobility plays in the everyday functioning of the country’s urban centres. Despite this significance, the safety infrastructure catering to pedestrians has not kept pace with the demands of a rapidly growing population and evolving urban landscapes.

Strategies to Tackle the Pedestrian Safety Crisis in India

1. Infrastructure Development:
A targeted approach to infrastructure is essential, focusing on building and maintaining sidewalks, pedestrian crossings, and adequate street lighting. Traffic-calming measures such as speed breakers, pedestrian-only zones, and raised crosswalks can drastically enhance pedestrian safety, particularly in high-traffic urban areas.

2. Speed Management:
Reducing vehicle speeds in areas with heavy pedestrian movement is crucial. Municipality have to manage lower speed limit displayed prominently particularly in areas with high pedestrian movement and cyclists traffic and police should ensure enforcing of speed limit and also installing speed calmers, speed cameras and speed bumps in such strategic locations to ensure safer environment for pedestrians and cyclists.

3. Protecting Vulnerable Pedestrians:
Special safety measures must prioritize children, the elderly, and persons with disabilities. Installing audible pedestrian signals at intersections and ensuring ramps, tactile paving, and accessible sidewalks can create a safer environment for everyone.

4. Data-Driven Interventions:
Continuous collection and analysis of accident data are essential to understanding patterns and high-risk zones. This insight can drive focused safety initiatives, enabling policymakers to allocate resources where they are most needed. Data-informed policies also allow for timely course corrections Which may be similar to identification for black spots and renewal .

5. Enforcement of Traffic Laws:
Stringent enforcement of traffic rules is non-negotiable to deter violations. Regular monitoring, issuing fines, and leveraging technology like automated ticketing can reduce reckless behaviour and reinforce accountability on the road.

6. Addressing Drink Driving:
Alcohol-impaired driving significantly heightens accident risks. Strengthening the enforcement of  traffic laws for violations is a critical step Additionally, expanding the use of breathalyser checkpoints can help curb reckless driving and protect pedestrians.

7. Public Awareness & Community Engagement:
Education campaigns targeting both drivers and pedestrians are crucial to fostering responsible behaviour and mutual respect. Awareness initiatives should stress the use of designated crossings, avoiding phone use while walking, and following road rules. Engaging local communities in road safety programs will result in more customized, effective solutions.

With India accounting for over 11% of global road deaths, these strategies can play a pivotal role in reversing the surge in pedestrian fatalities and creating safer urban spaces.

The escalating pedestrian fatality rate in India is a pressing issue that requires a multi-faceted approach involving all stakeholders. Through a combination of improved infrastructure, targeted safety campaigns, enhanced law enforcement, and community engagement, it is possible to reverse this trend and ensure that walking remains a safe and viable transportation option. 

Hey, driving when it’s all wet and blustery can be a real pain in the neck, right? It messes with how well you can see, makes the roads slick, and can make your car act a bit funky. So, let’s talk about some handy tips to keep you safe during those not-so-fun seasons:

Before driving, inspect your vehicle’s condition. Ensure your tires are properly inflated with sufficient tread depth to handle wet roads. Verify that your brakes are in good working order, replace worn-out windshield wipers, and check that all lights—headlights, taillights, brake lights, and turn signals—are functioning correctly.

Take It Easy and Keep Your Distance: When it’s raining cats and dogs, slow down and keep a buffer between you and the car in front. This gives you more time to react to any surprises the road throws at you.

Use  Headlights Smartly: Flick on your headlights even when it’s daytime rain. It helps other drivers see you better. But remember, high beams can be blinding, so keep  them low.

Slow Down and Maintain Distance: Reduce your speed to increase reaction time and maintain a safe distance from the vehicle ahead, as stopping distances are longer in wet conditions.

Know What to Do if You Start to Hydroplane: If your car starts floating on water like a boat (scary, I know), just ease off the gas, don’t slam the brakes, and gently steer where you want to go.

Watch for Puddles and Flooding: Avoid driving through deep puddles or flooded areas to prevent vehicle damage and hidden hazards.

Hold On Tight in High Winds: Make like you’re wrestling a bear and grip that steering wheel. Pay extra attention when passing big rigs or crossing bridges, ’cause the wind can really push you around.

Keep Your Papers in Order: Ensure your vehicle registration and documents are current to facilitate assistance or reporting in emergencies.

Carry Emergency Supplies: Keep a little kit in your car with a flashlight, some band-aids, reflective triangle thingies, a blanket, snacks that don’t go bad, and a phone charger. Just in case you get stuck or stranded.

And lastly, plan your route. Check the weather and traffic before you go gallivanting around. It’ll help you dodge the nasty bits and pick the safest way to get where you need to be.

Conclusion

Driving during the rainy and windy seasons requires extra caution and preparation. By following these safety tips, you can significantly reduce the risks associated with adverse weather conditions. Stay safe and drive responsibly!

Definitely, monsoon brings relief from the torrid summer heat, with challenges of a different kind associated with driving. Slick roads, reduced visibility, and other unexpected variables can turn even the smallest journey into a very hazardous one during this time of the year. Here are some important road safety tips for drivers to ensure one’s journey is safe during the monsoon.

1. Visual Check of the Vehicle

Before embarking on your journey, always ensure that your vehicle is in a good condition. Give close attention to the following:

Tires: Ensure they have adequate tread depth and are inflated well enough to avoid skidding on wet surfaces.

Brakes: Your brakes need regular checking to ensure effective response.

Windscreen Wipers and Lights: Ensure your windscreen wipers are in good condition, and all your lights—the headlights, brake lights, and indicators—are working well.

2. Reduce Speed and Keep Distance

Wet roads can radically minimize the effectiveness of traction, making skidding highly probable. Slow your speed to where you have more reaction time to stop or reef sudden stops or obstacles by keeping a safe distance from the vehicle upfront.

3. Avoid Sudden Movements

Avoid sudden steering, sudden acceleration, and sudden breaking at all costs since it can make the vehicle lose its traction. Drive smoothly and gradually so as not to lose control over the vehicle.

4. Be Visible

The visibility is pretty less during heavy rains. Always turn on your headlights even during the day so that you can increase your visibility to other drivers. Avoid using high beams since they may reflect off the rain and further reduce the visibility.

5. Avoid areas with floods

There is significant danger in driving through floodwaters. The water could hide depressions and many other obstacles, and if the depth is too high, might course into your vehicle’s engine. If you have no other choice but to pass through the water using your vehicle, proceed with a slow and steady speed to minimize making a wave that may splash into your car.

6. Plan Your Route

Check the weather and route before you leave. Avoid areas that are prone to flooding and traffic. Seek help from navigation apps to get the safest and fastest routes possible.

7. Demist Your Windows

Humidity in the car will blind your windows, which can diminish your visibility. Switch on the defogger of your car and keep its air conditioner running to give you clear windows.

8. Be Informed

Stay updated with weather and news stations on the radio regarding the condition of the roads. Knowing about hazards will help you prepare for the journey better.

9. Avoid Distractions

Keep your eyes on the road; hands on the wheel, and your mind on the driving. Avoid devices like mobile phones, eating, and other stuff that may cause diversion from your driving. Be prepared to act in case of changing road conditions.

10. Know When to Stop

If the rain had been too heavy and visibility was very low, pull safely off to the side of the road and remain inside your vehicle until it has passed. Better late than never at all.

Monsoon driving requires a little extra caution and preparedness. With these safety tips, most risks associated with wet-road driving will be minimized. Keep safe, keep alert, and enjoy the beauty of the monsoon season—but don’t compromise on safety.

Happy and safe driving!